A significant new event has emerged in Thailand’s cultural scene — the museum founded by the family of renowned researcher and collector Jean-Michel Beurdeley has opened an exhibition by independent Thai filmmaker Apichatpong Weerasethakul titled Serenity of Madness. The project blends cinema, sound, installations, and visual art, revealing the deep connection between nature, memory, and consciousness.
The Museum’s Story: The Legacy of Jean-Michel Beurdeley
The museum was established by the family of Jean-Michel Beurdeley, a distinguished French collector who dedicated his life to studying Thai culture. His personal collection includes hundreds of everyday objects, religious artifacts, textiles, and folk art pieces that reflect the daily life and spiritual world of Thailand’s peoples.
Today, the museum has become a cultural hub that bridges Thailand’s traditional heritage with contemporary art. Its permanent exhibition features unique items from Beurdeley’s collection, while temporary exhibitions foster a dialogue between past and present.
'Serenity of Madness': Art Between Reality and Dream
The exhibition by Apichatpong Weerasethakul, Palme d'Or winner at the Cannes Film Festival, creates a meditative space where time slows down and the boundaries between dreams and reality blur. The project includes:
- video installations from the Memoir and Primitive series;
- soundscapes featuring recordings of rain, forests, and village voices;
- photographs and sketches from the director’s films;
- interactive elements allowing visitors to "step into" the frame.
The title Serenity of Madness reflects the artist’s philosophy: madness as a source of inspiration, and serenity as a way to understand it.
What Awaits Visitors?
During the exhibition, the following events will take place:
- film screenings — including 'Syndromes and a Century' (2006), 'Cemetery of Splendour' (2015), and new short films;
- presentations of the director’s upcoming projects;
- meetings and lectures with Apichatpong Weerasethakul (on his visiting days);
- curator-led tours with commentary on the installations.
Practical Information
The museum is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00, closed only on Thailand’s public holidays. The exhibition can be visited independently or as part of a guided tour.
For up-to-date information on the exhibition, screening schedule, and guest appearances, please visit:
- official website: beurdeleymuseum-thailand.org
- Facebook page: facebook.com/BeurdeleyMuseum
Conclusion
The 'Serenity of Madness' exhibition is more than a showcase of the filmmaker’s work — it’s an immersion into a uniquely Thai perception of time, nature, and inner peace. Combined with Beurdeley’s collection, it creates a rare cultural bridge between tradition and avant-garde. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this meditative dialogue.
Back to list
